A number of children and young adults aged between seven and 16 who are good swimmers have joined synchronised swimming classes offered by Sport Malta through its #OnTheMove programme. The sessions are held as a recreational class at the Tal-Qroqq National Pool Complex, Msida.

The beginners’ classes focus on teaching swimmers basic body positions in the water. They are also taught how to count music, point their toes and extend their body in the water. Synchronised swimming is a sport for both girls and boys.

“Prior to starting synchronised swimming, ideally children should have swimming experience and feel confident in water,” said one of their coaches, Hannah Preca Trapani. “Synchro is a mixture of swimming, gymnastics and dance; therefore, a basic knowledge of the three is the best combination before starting the sport. However, it is not mandatory to be competent in other sports – every child is unique and some may possess a natural talent for the sport.”

In addition, Sport Malta offers classes through its Synchro Academy programme for recreational groups as well as for competitive teams, starting from the age of seven. Advanced athletes learn how to control their movements in water both with their face above water and upside down, under the water. They also work on more advanced routine skills that include stationary lifts and throws without touching the bottom of the pool. 

Participants are currently gearing up for a summer packed with skills practice and routine choreography, preparing them for their annual end-of-summer show in which the routines will be performed. Performances by the Synchro Academy are also held throughout the year during water polo tournaments and special events held across the island. All athletes are given the opportunity to compete regularly in competitions in Malta, while the competitive teams – part of the Synchro Academy – also travel to international competitions of various levels.

The #OnTheMove programme, formerly known as Skolasport, has been supported by Kellogg’s since 1999. It also promotes a variety of educational sports disciplines in Sport Malta’s winter programme. For further information about the synchronised swimming classes and other sport disciplines in the programme, call 2203 6000, e-mail info@sportmalta.org.mt or visit the website below.

https://www.sportmalta.org.mt/programmes/onthemove-skolasport